Project Manager Review

Project management apprentice, working on a variety of projects within the data department. Involving engaging a variety of stakeholders, performing a variety of roles for different people and actively seeking work to complete. Tasks include maintaining project systems, updating RAID logs, producing packs, budgeting & cost control and a lot more

Developed my communications skills as well as my stakeholder management. I've learnt how to develop my leadership style as well as how to take on more responsibility. I've also learnt a lot about project management in detail as well as these more generic items, both agile and waterfall.

I enjoy the variety on the programme although sometimes feel I could be given more responsibility. I have done a few different placements which vary, however these have been mostly enjoyable and the teams that I have been able to work with have also helped me to enjoy my day to day role.

The apprenticeship programme isn't very well managed within LBG. The department responsible can be slow to reply to emails, slow to sort out issues and very reluctant to admit they are wrong. This can be frustrating when trying to sort things out and has led to a lot of ill-feeling and annoyance across our programme.

I receive a lot of support from within my department. They are extremely supportive and this goes for a large number of people across the department as they are used to apprentices. They trust me and include me, and I feel a valued member of the team. This isn't the case for the apprenticeship department who you might not hear from for months on end, and whose communication (when it happens) is poor and not thought through.

I get given 1 day a week to work towards my apprenticeship qualifications (20% of my time). This helped me to pass my APM PMQ exam and work towards finishing my apprenticeship early. They were also very understanding around the time of the exam when I took more than 20% of my time to revise.

My qualification allows me to take formal project management information & practices and apply them within my organisation, and day to day role. This allows me to see why things are done the way they are, as well as how they can be improved. The only issue is that my organisation is becoming very agile in their project management whilst the qualification stays very waterfall.

There are a few extra-curricular activities to get involved with. There are some professional networks (some for young professionals) that help you network and socialise with other people inside/outside the organisation. As well as this, the departments are often quite social and may go for lunches, breakfasts or drinks after work. There is a social committee in my department which also helps organise events.

Yes

They are a big organisation with a variety of roles. With around 70,000 staff, it means that you are extremely likely to find a role that you like. The other members of staff are mainly extremely pleasant. As well as this there is a good benefits package to an extent and the pay isn't too bad.

Research the organisation and the roles, allowing you to apply for something that you want to do. Be enthusiastic about your role and always try and go above & beyond once you are in the organisation. It's a big company but you can still make an impression on those around you.